Dynamism of Terrorist Threats in Kenya

Abstract

The overall aim of this study was to examine the dynamism of terrorism in Kenya. To achieve this, the study was guided by three objectives: establish the dynamism and susceptibility of the terrorist threat in Kenya, to determine the effectiveness and impact of counter-terrorism in Kenya as well as to, determine the regional efforts to respond to the terrorist threat. In order to do so the study applied the theoretical framework based on the psychological frustration-aggression theory guided by the works of Ted Gurr on why men rebel and engage in political violence (riots, rebellion, coups, etc.) and how regimes respond. The theory explains that political violence is also more likely if the current leadership and/or the socio-economic/political systems are insufficiently in service to some marginalized groups of citizens. The study revealed for effective strategies in counter-terrorism in Kenya, the dynamisms of terrorism in Kenya such as the ‘home grown’ aspects must be examined and understood. In this case the study examined the homegrown terror groups such as Al Shaabab and Al Hijra as an example of domestic terrorism in Kenya. The study thus, from the findings recommended for a multi-faceted approach to counter terrorism measure particularly in counter-radicalization where the Kenyan government applies the development approach, as well as reforms in the judicial and law enforcement institutions in Kenya, and regional cooperation in counter-terrorism and de-radicalization.